“It’s hard to win someone’s trust. But I was able to build that trust with Stephen.”
For the past two years, Divashni has been supporting Stephen, one of our clients living in a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment. Stephen lives with motor neurone disease or MND, a condition which affects a person’s motor nerves, causing muscles to become weaker.
He finds solace in his spiritual life but finds it challenging to travel. “Because he would have phobia, he would be shaking in the car,” Divashni says. “I said, let’s try.” They started with short trips, until finally, with Divashni’s care and assistance, he was able to visit Hindu temples in Parramatta, Minto and Wollongong.
Divashni feels proud to win his trust but is also grateful for the great team supporting her. “I am working alongside wonderful people who I know are thinking about me and my wellbeing.”
Keep reading to learn more about Divashni.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m originally from Fiji, where I worked as a nurse. In Australia, I already completed my Cert III in Individual Support and Diploma in Community Service. Currently, I’m doing a Cert IV in Mental Health and Diploma in Mental Health.
Afea is the first company I joined after I came here. My first clients are our clients living in our SDA.
I’ve been caring for Stephen going on two years now.
Can you tell us about your recent trips with Stephen?
Before, and everybody knows this, Stephen would not travel anywhere. He would go outside for fresh air and come back. That’s it.
One day he asked me, I want to go to temple. I said, ok, let’s try. Because he would have phobia, he would be shaking in the car. I said, let’s try. We started with short routes. We went to hospital, then the second trip was to Sydney Zoo. Everything was okay. Then we went to his temple. We arranged the taxi and he went there. He was so excited. His next goal is to go on vacation, perhaps to the Gold Coast.
His family is so happy. They would say, ‘My father is in safe hands!’
Every morning, I check everything. His medication, his lunch. He would say, ‘Divashni, you are my strength.’
I feel so proud to win his trust.
It’s hard to win someone’s trust. But I was able to build that trust with Stephen.
What do you like best about the company?
Keith (Accommodation Manager) and Marjorie (Rostering Coordinator) are very supportive. Without their help, I may not have been able to support Stephen on his trips.
When we were still planning the trips, I would turn to Keith for help and he would say, ‘Okay Divashni, I will do this for you’. Or he would say, ‘Okay, don’t worry, it’s just a small thing.’ He’ll always be there.
I am working alongside wonderful people who I know are thinking about me and my wellbeing.
What do you like doing outside of work?
I love to go to the park and go bowling!
Interested in becoming an NDIS support worker in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane?
Whether you’re an experienced support worker or someone looking for meaningful work, we have a place for you at Afea. Apply now!
From October 2024, Afea Care Services will be transitioning to Leora Healthcare. Read more.
